Just two days after the quake struck, the first batch of 15 elite soldiers parachuted into an area near the epicenter. Their 5,000-meter drop took place in bad weather.

Just two days after the quake struck, the first batch of 15 elite soldiers parachuted into an area near the epicenter. Their 5,000-meter drop took place in bad weather.

May 14th, 11:24am. A military plane gets ready to take off for Maoxian County, close to the epicenter.

This is first disaster relief mission for China's air force in the rugged plateau region, without ground guidance or signals in miserable weather. Eleven minutes after take off, the plane climbs to 5,000 meters. The soldiers prepare for the big jump.

One paratrooper said "The landing place isn't at all flat. The landscape here is quite complex. And, we don't know the exact conditions there."

The commander receives information from the ground that the jump can be made. The lack of oxygen is beginning to affect the soldiers.

Another parachutist said "Dizzy! All of us feel chest pain and dizziness."

The paratroopers find an opening in the clouds. They're confident they'll succeed, though it's their first time under such conditions.

Leader of paratroopers said "Comrades! It's time for us to take on the test of the country! The disaster is the order! The people in the disaster area are counting on us!"

Almost half an hour after take-off, the door opens. One by one, the men make their jump. All 15 land safely. They report back on the actual conditions back three hours after the landing. Such reports play an important role in the relief work to come.

(CCTV May 22, 2008)